Classic Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
This easy broccoli salad recipe delivers the perfect combination of crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and savory bacon. It is a simple, make-ahead side dish ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large heads fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli into small, uniform florets. Place the florets, chopped red onion, and any optional additions like raisins or sunflower seeds into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the creamy broccoli salad dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Add the crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese to the bowl.
- Mix well: Gently toss all ingredients until the broccoli and other components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving this cold broccoli salad as a side dish for your BBQ or gathering.
Notes
- For a tangier broccoli salad dressing, increase the apple cider vinegar by one tablespoon.
- You can prepare the dressing up to three days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- This make-ahead salad holds its crunch well for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 23
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35